Brisbane topple Sydney Sixers for the first time in Big Bash League

There’ll be plenty of fielding practice for the Brisbane Heat players this week after they put down several simple catches against the Sydney Sixers.

Fortunately it didn’t prove costly as the Heat were still able to claim a six-run win over the Sixers, beating the Sydney side for the first time in five Big Bash League meetings in front of 24,192 at the SCG.

Sixers opener Michael Lumb and captain Brad Haddin were given a few lives – but neither could go on and make the Heat pay.

In his 200th Twenty20 match, Lumb made 47 and Haddin scored a quick-fire 42 off 24 balls.

But Heat leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson claimed 2-26 in his T20 debut and some tight bowling saw the Heat claim their second victory in three matches to end the Sixer’s hopes of a semi-final appearance.

Earlier, half-centuries to Joe Burns (60 off 51 balls) in his return from Australia’s Test side and a quick-fire 54 (30 balls) to West Indian Lendl Simmons helped the Heat reach 8-162 from their 20 overs.

Sean Abbott was the best of the Sixers’ bowlers, claiming 3-8 from two overs at the end of the innings.